Soccer superstar Lionel Messi was tackled to the ground during a friendly match in Puerto Rico when a fan invaded the pitch. The incident occurred in the 88th minute of the exhibition game between Inter Miami and Ecuador's Independiente del Valle. Several fans jumped onto the field, with one managing to grab Messi by the waist before both were pulled down by security. Messi appeared unharmed and quickly rejoined play.
This event follows a change in Messi's security detail. His primary bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, whose alert presence on the sidelines had previously gone viral, was reassigned in 2025 to prevent him from being on the field. Chueko had expressed concerns that this decision could lead to such incidents, noting a significant increase in pitch invaders since Messi's arrival in the U.S. compared to his time in Europe.
An Inter Miami spokesperson confirmed the club's decision to keep Chueko off the sidelines, though he remains an employee. The match concluded with Inter Miami defeating Independiente del Valle 2-1, with goals from Santiago Morales and Messi. The team is set to face Orlando City next.